The return of the Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey (VIUS) offers a goldmine of data for the work truck industry.
The Return of VIUS and Its Importance
The return of the Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey (VIUS) offers a goldmine of data for the work truck industry. From plow mount trends to broader vehicle insights, this data provides a foundation for crafting informed market strategies and creating reliable forecasts tailored to your business needs.
One good source for plow data is the Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey (VIUS). It was published every five years through 2005 (2002 data). Then the budget was cut, and the Census Bureau stopped conducting the survey. In 2021, the Department of Transportation added $12 million dollars to its budget for the VIUS, and it was once again published in 2024 (2021 data).
The Shift in Pickups and SUVs with Plow Mounts
In the 19 years between 2002 and 2021, there were significant changes in the number of pickups and SUVs registered in the U.S. One thing that didn’t change was that most of the plow mounts on trucks were on pickups and SUVs. There is a sizable market for larger plows designed for use on larger trucks ranging from g.v.w.r. 4 – 8, but the majority of plows are smaller and mounted on g.v.w.r. 1 – 3 trucks.
As can be seen in the chart, the number of pickups on U.S. roads increased from 38 million in 2002 to 57 million in 2021. The number of pickups with plow mounts also increased, by about 240,000 units. However, the percentage of pickups with plow mounts fell a bit from 1.9% to 1.7%.
The number of SUVs on the road rose from 24 million in 2002 to 96 million in 2021, but the number with plow mounts fell substantially. The primary reason for that was that the average size of SUVs fell in that time span. It might be possible to install a plow mount on a mini-SUV, but it is not advisable. As a result, the percentage of SUVs with plow mounts fell from 1% to 0.1% between 2002 and 2021.
There is a lot more plow mount data available in the VIUS. More importantly, it can be related to many other variables like body type, weight class and fuel type (including Electric Vehicles).
Custom Forecasts for the Work Truck Industry
For over 25 years, I’ve supported the work truck industry in turning raw data into actionable insights. Whether you’re looking to refine your market strategy or develop a custom forecast, the latest VIUS data is an invaluable resource. Let’s collaborate to transform data into success.
Stephen at Coherent Market Planning and Forecasting, LLC
Email: stephen@coherentforecasting.org
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